Friday, April 3, 2026 — Good Friday. Things are getting crucified out there.
TRUMP HITS GUYANA WITH 38% TARIFF — HIGHEST IN THE CARIBBEAN
In what is arguably the biggest economic news of the year so far, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs effective April 5, imposing a baseline 10% on most Caribbean nations — but a punishing 38% on Guyana. The tariff is framed as a “reciprocal” trade measure, though analysts note Guyana’s trade deficit with the US is driven almost entirely by oil imports, not an imbalance that typically invites retaliation. CARICOM’s private sector body CPSO says credible analysis is needed before a full response can be given. Guyana’s private sector is reportedly closely tracking developments. The US Ambassador spent last week telling Guyana not to renegotiate its Exxon contract. This week, her government slapped Guyana’s exports with a 38% tariff. You really cannot make this up.
— CPSO / Caribbean Council / Demerara Waves
GUYANA SECRETLY PAID US$82M TO WALES GAS PLANT CONTRACTOR AFTER LOSING ARBITRATION
In a bombshell report, Kaieteur News has revealed that the government of Guyana was forced to pay approximately US$82 million to Gas-to-Energy contractors Lindsayca-CH4 Guyana Inc. after losing an arbitration case — and kept the entire matter secret. The consortium had originally sought US$106 million. After negotiations, the figure was reduced to US$82 million. The Wales Gas-to-Energy project — already ballooning in cost from its original US$759 million contract awarded in December 2022 — continues to face construction delays. Prime Minister Mark Phillips has publicly staked his credibility on GTE producing power by December 2026. That promise is looking increasingly expensive.
— Kaieteur News
EXXON EXITS CANJE BLOCK AFTER THREE DRY WELLS
ExxonMobil has exited the Canje Block offshore Guyana after drilling three consecutive dry wells. The Canje Block had been seen as a potential second major frontier for Guyana’s oil future. Three dry wells is a significant setback — though Exxon simultaneously announced it has completed appraisal of two more discoveries in the existing Stabroek Block, where production continues to approach one million barrels per day. The exits and the entries. Guyana’s oil story is far from over, but the Canje chapter has apparently closed.
— Kaieteur News
FAKE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES FLOODING TINT WAIVER SYSTEM
The Ministry of Home Affairs has launched an investigation into the falsification of medical certificates being submitted by motorists seeking exemptions from the new tint regulations. In a statement on April 2, the Ministry reminded the public that a verification system is in place — and two employees of the National Drug Management Authority have already been fired for unauthorized use of the tint waiver system. So within 48 hours of the tint crackdown launching: fake doctor’s notes, corrupt officials, and two terminations. The tint game runs deep.
— News Room Guyana / Kaieteur News
BOSAI FIRES WORKER WHO WON PAY RAISE FOR COLLEAGUES
Chinese-owned bauxite mining company BOSAI Mineral Group has terminated Lorenzo Joseph of Linden — a NAACIE union member who successfully fought for a 7.5% pay increase for bauxite workers last September. Joseph’s termination letter cited his “professional goals and work approach” being misaligned with company policy. Joseph says the timing — months after the pay victory — makes the reason obvious. His party, the United Workers Party, has expressed solidarity. BOSAI has not elaborated. The pattern of multinational companies retaliating against labour organizers is one the Ministry of Labour should be watching closely. Whether it is will be another matter entirely.
— Kaieteur News
GOVT MOVING TOWARD NON-LETHAL WEAPONS PERMITS
The government is in advanced review of a plan to introduce non-lethal weapons permits as an alternative to firearm licences, which have created a severely clogged system. Vice President Jagdeo confirmed President Ali personally reviews more than 100 firearm licence appeals daily. The non-lethal permit initiative — announced in February — is intended to reduce gun proliferation while still allowing citizens to protect themselves. Tasers, pepper spray, and similar options are expected to be included. The backlog, apparently, is real. Whether the solution will be is another question.
— Kaieteur News
PROJECT FLOW: CLEAN WATER COMING TO 155 SCHOOLS
A National Water Purification Project called FLOW will deliver clean, purified water to 155 schools across all 11 education districts — covering secondary schools, technical and vocational institutions, and special needs schools. The initiative is being implemented through Recover Guyana and the Greater Guyana Initiative and was presented to Education Minister Sonia Parag this week. On a day full of troubling news, this one is genuinely good. 155 schools. Clean water. Simple. Needed.
— Kaieteur News
PORT CONGESTION SLOWING CARGO TO GUYANA — HURRICANE MELISSA STILL CAUSING DISRUPTIONS
The Shipping Association of Guyana has warned the business community that regional cargo disruptions are continuing to slow container movement into Guyana. The root cause: Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica in October 2025, continues to ripple through regional shipping logistics five months later. Businesses are advised to plan for delays and factor in extended lead times. The hurricane that hit Jamaica is still affecting your hardware store delivery. That is how interconnected the Caribbean shipping system is.
— News Room Guyana
BROTHERS KILLED IN HEAD-ON CRASH AT UNION, WCD
Two young brothers died early Thursday morning after the vehicle they were travelling in slammed head-on into a minibus at Union, West Coast Demerara. Details remain limited but the tragedy adds to a grim road fatality count that already stood at 28 deaths in the first weeks of 2026. Speeding and reckless driving continue to claim lives at a rate that makes the tint crackdown look like it has its priorities somewhat misaligned.
— Kaieteur News / News Room Guyana
CARIFTA GAMES BEGIN TOMORROW IN GRENADA
Guyana’s 24-member athletics squad arrived in St. George’s, Grenada ahead of the 53rd CARIFTA Games, which open tomorrow, April 4. Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle credited sustained government investment for Guyana’s growing track and field success. The team includes returning gold medalists who have competed on this very track. In 2024, a similar-sized squad came home with eight medals. Target: ten or more. Safe legs to all the athletes.
— News Room Guyana
The Guyana Daily Brief — because somebody has to read this stuff so you don’t have to. Happy Good Friday.